Troubleshooting
Problem
Engine Will Not Start Using Recoil
Starter
Engine Will Not Start (Electric Start
Models)
Engine Stalls or Stops After
Running
Engine Loses Power
Excessive Vibration
Mower Will Not Move
Loss Of Traction
Cutting Grass Improperly
Poor Grass Discharge
Oil Leaking
Probable Cause
1. Fuel tank empty.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
1. Fuel tank empty.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Wiring harness disconnected.
4. Battery dead.
1. Blade control is released or is not being held securely
against handle.
2. Fuel tank empty.
3. Engine air pre-cleaner and or air cleaner dirty.
4. Spark plug defective or gap set improperly.
5. Water, debris or stale fuel in fuel system.
1. Engine air pre-cleaner or air cleaner dirty.
2. Spark plug faulty.
3. Water, debris or stale fuel in fuel system.
1. Damaged, out of balance or bent mower blade.
2. Loose blade components.
3. Loose or missing air lift (if equipped).
4. Lumpy or frayed belt.
1. Build-up of debris on or around wheel drive components.
2. Driven disc slipping.
3. Drive belt requires replacement.
4. Damaged transmission.
1. Cutting height too low or high.
2. Engine speed too slow.
3. Forward ground speed too fast.
4. Terraced cut, side to side.
5. Excessive deck pitch, front to rear.
6. Cutting blade dull or damaged.
1. Engine speed too fast.
2. Forward speed too fast.
3. Grass is wet.
4. Excessively worn or damaged blade.
5. Build up of grass clippings and debris under deck.
6. Improper blade installed on deck.
7. Blade installed improperly on deck.
1. Leaking engine case.
2. Loose drain plug.
3. Dip stick or oil filler cap loose.
Corrective Action
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.
2. Place spark plug wire onto spark plug.
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.
2. Place spark plug wire onto spark plug.
3. Connect wiring harness.
4. Charge or replace battery.
1. Blade control should be held securely against handle at
all times during operation of mower.
2. Fill with fuel to proper level.
3. Clean free of all debris.
4. Service spark plug.
5. Drain and clean fuel system.
1. Clean or replace filters.
2. Service spark plug.
3. Drain and clean fuel system.
1. Service mower blade.
2. Service and tighten loose parts.
3. Replace air lifts. Tighten to proper torque.
4. Replace belt.
1. Clean debris.
2. Clean or replace driven disc.
3. Replace drive belt.
4. Contact authorized dealer.
1. Adjust cutting height.
2. Move engine speed control to 'Fast' position.
3. Move ground speed control to a slower speed.
4. Adjust height of cut with height adjust levers.
5. Adjust height of cut with height adjust levers.
6. Sharpen cutting edges or replace blade.
1. Move engine speed control to 'Fast' position.
2. Move ground speed control to a slower speed.
3. Mow when grass is dry.
4. Service mower blade.
5. Clean deck.
6. Install proper blade.
7. Install blade properly.
1. Contact authorized dealer.
2. Check and tighten drain plug.
3. Make sure dip stick or oil filler cap is securely in place.
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